NFL

Mularkey, Mike ‘Inspector Gadget’

CARDS: Pro Set 1991 HoF Photo Contest, Fleer 1990, Score 1992, Playbook
ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home
SENT: 6/13/22 RECEIVED: 6/24/22 (11 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Mike Mularkey played college ball at Florida from 1980 to ’82.
  • He caught 55 passes for 628 yards and 3 TDs over his college career.
  • In 1983 signed with the San Fransisco 49ers as a 9th round pick, but ultimately finished the season on the roster of the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Caught first TD pass against Buccaneers in 1984, for one yard.
  • Known as a blocking TE, played for the Vikings through the ’88 season, catching 42 passes for 464 yards and 5 TDs.
  • Signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1989 and had a career high 22 receptions for 326 yards and a TD.
  • Recorded career highs again in ’90 catching 32 receptions for 365 yards and 3 TDs.
  • Retired after the 1991 season.
  • After a year off, went into coaching with Concordia University (MN) and was there for two years.
  • Quickly moved back to the NFL in 1994 working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a quality control and then later a TE coach.
  • Returned to Pittsburgh in ’96 as a TE coach, and then later as the offensive coordinator (2001-’03).
  • In 2004 took his first head coaching job in Buffalo and coached the team to a 14-18 record over two seasons as the team had to manage a QB controversy in 2005.
  • After an odd season with the Nick Saban Dolphins as OC in 2006, and then Cam Cameron as his TE coach in 2007, Mike hopped over to the Falcons in 2008 where he was OC again.
  • Head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for one season in 2012, posting a 2-14 record.
  • Stayed in the AFC South as the TE coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2013.
  • Then after Ken Whisenhunt was fired during the season in 2015, Mularkey finished out the season, posting a 2-7 record.
  • Kept on board as the HC, Whisenhunt rebuilt the Titans, and in 2016 and 2017 posted a 9-7 record- making the playoffs in the latter.
  • Served as a TE coach for the Falcons in 2019, retiring from coaching after the season.

ACCOLADES:

  • Assistant Coach of the Year 2001
  • Offensive Coordinator of the Year 2010

NOTES:

Yes! What a play drawn up by Mike! Randle El Shovel 68 (Pitch to Randle El. Shovel to Jerome.) Pretty neat! He even wrote in a few player names including Bettis, Hines, Kordell Stewart and Randle El. So we know for certain this play came from his golden era with the Steelers between 2001-’03. Mike’s nickname ‘Inspector Gadget’ came from his penchant for gadget plays during his time with Pittsburgh.

To be honest, Mike got no respect. I remember when the Titans hired him as their head coach, everyone, even flaming tacks fans were snickering or uninspired by the choice- but much to Mike’s credit, he did build a successful team, and then he was run out of town.. after making the playoffs!

University of Texas

Hamilton, Bill

CARD: UT Upper Deck 2011
ACQUIRED: eBay, 2020

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Bill Hamilton arrived at Texas as a QB in 1973, but a broken hand prompted a move to LB.
  • Had 7 FF, 123 total tackles and 2 picks in 1975.
  • In the Bluebonnet Bowl, Bill had 13 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception to help the Longhorns defeat the Colorado Buffalos 38-21
  • Posted 154 total tackles, and a single game high 23 tackles against Houston.
  • Did not pursue football professionally, and became a renowned orthopedic and sports surgeon.

ACCOLADES:

  • Texas Hall of Honor 2018

NOTES:

Bill played college ball at a time where good college athletes still could make more money doing other things than play sports. It’s great to see him get the accolades he deserves from this set.

NFL, ufl

Rodgers, Amari

CARDS: Upper Deck UFL 2025 Certified, Upper Deck UFL 2025 Dual Signatures
ACQUIRED: ePack, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Amari Rodgers played WR at Clemson from 2017-’20.
  • During his Senior campaign he caught 77 passes for 1,020 yards and seven TDs.
  • Over his college career (55 contests) he caught 181 passes for 2,144 yards and 15 touchdowns.
  • 3rd round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2021.
  • Caught 8 receptions for 95 yards and fielded kicks for the Packers.
  • Cut after the 10th week and signed with the Texans in 2022.
  • Caught his first professional TD that season.
  • Released before the 2023 season and spent a few months on the Colts practice squad later that year.
  • Signed with the UFL Stallions at the tail end of the season.
  • Caught 14 passes for 195 yards and 2 TDs including a 50 yarder in 7 starts (2024).
  • Took on more of a reserve role in 2025 and posted nearly identical stats with 14 receptions for 175 yards, 2 TDs including a 43 yarder.
  • Left unprotected for 2026, Amari opted to retire instead of report to camp with the UFL Columbus Aviators.

NOTES:

Great cards and autographs of Amari Rodgers here. I remember the Texans back in 2022, picked up Amari Rodgers I felt to try to see if they could lure Deshaun Watson out of his self imposed retirement. (Glad it didn’t work.)

Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.